MANILA, Philippines — For the third consecutive time, Vice President Sara Duterte opted not to attend the House Committee on Justice hearing on Tuesday, missing a critical opportunity to confront her accuser, self-confessed “bagman” Ramil Madriaga.
The Vice President’s absence came even as the committee deliberated on two new impeachment complaints and heard explosive testimony regarding the alleged misuse of ₱125 million in OVP confidential funds.
The hearing featured a supplemental affidavit from Madriaga, who claimed he personally distributed ₱125 million in cash in less than 24 hours on December 20, 2022.
- The Deliveries: Madriaga detailed trips to Laguna, a comedy bar in Quezon City, and the Office of the Ombudsman parking lot.
- The Allegation: He claimed the Vice President personally instructed him to “return a favor” to political allies and specific officials using four duffle bags filled with cash.
Instead of appearing in person, the Vice President’s camp focused on legal technicalities and separate court filings:
- Perjury Complaint: Duterte had previously filed a perjury case against Madriaga, labeling him a “criminal” and part of a kidnap-for-ransom syndicate.
- SALN Deferment: The OVP also requested a deferment on submitting the Vice President’s Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN) to the panel, which Assistant Justice Secretary Mico Clavano confirmed was being reviewed for privacy concerns.
Several members of the House panel expressed frustration over the Vice President’s repeated refusal to face the committee.
“The Vice President has the right to due process, but due process requires presence. By skipping these hearings, she is leaving the testimony of Mr. Madriaga unchallenged on the record,” one committee member noted.
The Committee on Justice has since summoned former OVP spokesperson Reynold Munsayac and security officer Col. Dennis Nolasco to verify Madriaga’s claims.
The House panel is expected to move forward with the “determination of sufficiency in grounds” for the impeachment complaints. With the Vice President remaining absent, the committee will rely on the evidence provided by witnesses and the documents subpoenaed from the Commission on Audit (COA) and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).